CPU
GPU
Xeon Gold 6148
Xeon w3-2525
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6148
Performance Per Dollar Xeon w3-2525
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6148 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($290) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6148 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+180%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($290) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon Gold 6148 and Xeon w3-2525
Xeon Gold 6148
The Xeon Gold 6148 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 27.5 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 29,021 points. Launch price was $3,072.
Xeon w3-2525
The Xeon w3-2525 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 28,641 points. Launch price was $609.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6148 packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the Xeon w3-2525 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon Gold 6148 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6148 versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon w3-2525 — a 19.5% clock advantage for the Xeon w3-2525 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6148 uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6148 scores 29,021 against the Xeon w3-2525's 28,641 — a 1.3% lead for the Xeon Gold 6148. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,254 vs 2,000, a 45.9% lead for the Xeon w3-2525 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 9,445 vs 15,000 (45.4% advantage for the Xeon w3-2525). L3 cache: 27.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6148 vs 22.5 MB on the Xeon w3-2525.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6148 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 40+150% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.5 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.5 GHz+46% |
| L3 Cache | 27.5 MB+22% | 22.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 20 MB+900% | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 29,021+1% | 28,641 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 18,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,254 | 2,000+59% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 9,445 | 15,000+59% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6148 uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Xeon Gold 6148 versus DDR5-4400 on the Xeon w3-2525 — the Xeon w3-2525 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6148 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 2 TB — 199% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Gold 6148) vs 4 (Xeon w3-2525). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 6148) vs 64 (Xeon w3-2525) — the Xeon w3-2525 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C620 (Xeon Gold 6148) and W790 (Xeon w3-2525).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6148 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-4400+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 GB | 2 TB+167% |
| RAM Channels | 6+50% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 64+33% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon Gold 6148) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w3-2525). Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6148 targets Legacy Enterprise Workloads, Xeon w3-2525 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6148 rivals EPYC 7401; Xeon w3-2525 rivals Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6148 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Legacy Enterprise Workloads | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6148 launched at $3072 MSRP, while the Xeon w3-2525 debuted at $609. At current prices ($290 vs $800), the Xeon Gold 6148 is $510 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6148 delivers 100.1 pts/$ vs 35.8 pts/$ for the Xeon w3-2525 — making the Xeon Gold 6148 the 94.6% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6148 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3072 | $609-80% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $290-64% | $800 |
| Performance per Dollar | 100.1+180% | 35.8 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2024 |
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